CABE to lead boost for seaside resorts

CABE is leading on a £45 million investment in culture and the arts in some of the most run-down seaside resorts in England.

CABE is leading on a £45 million investment in culture and the arts in some of the most run-down seaside resorts in England.

The programme, initiated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will see £15 million invested in the heritage and culture infrastructure each year from 2008 to 2011. Projects such as historic high streets and public spaces, galleries or concert halls will be identified for investment which could then act as a catalyst to stimulate economic growth.

CABE will also seek additional financial support for successful projects from both public and private sector investors.

Richard Simmons, CABE chief executive, thinks this is a chance for British seaside resorts to recapture the flair and importance they held in the Victorian age. "There are already some wonderful examples of good design and cultural investment breathing life back into our coastal towns," he said. "Just think of Heatherwick's East Beach Café in Littlehampton, or Cleveleys in Lancashire which has shown that even practical coastal protection defences can be made beautiful enough to attract more visitors.\"

Money will be made available to projects of different sizes, and it is intended that alongside a small number of major schemes, smaller projects around the coast will be funded each year. Regional Development Agencies will help identify areas in particular need of investment.

CABE will lead the project, developing detailed criteria with English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Arts Council England. Other partners will include the Big Lottery Fund, which already invests millions in seaside towns.